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Astrosmash vs Galaxian

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Astrosmash
AstrosmashBlast meteors, bombs and UFOs from a laser cannon in classic arcade action
Galaxian
GalaxianClassic space shooter that sparked the golden age of arcades
Overview
Description

In Astrosmash you control a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, firing unlimited ammo at a relentless barrage of meteors, spinning bombs, guided missiles and UFOs. Points are earned for destroying targets and lost when they slip past, with lives lost if bombs get through. The game challenges players to rack up high scores while mastering hyperspace jumps to avoid asteroid showers. Originally released in 1981 for the Intellivision, it remains a timeless single‑player shooter for modern platforms.

Galaxian is a 1979 shooter arcade game developed by Namco, where players pilot a spaceship at the bottom of the screen and blast waves of alien enemies descending from above. Its fast‑paced action and colorful graphics set a new standard for the genre and inspired countless successors. The game supports both solo play and competitive multiplayer, offering endless high‑score challenges that keep players coming back. Its legacy lives on through ports on modern platforms and a dedicated retro‑gaming community.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Action & Shooter
Action & Shooter
Best for
Arcade enthusiasts
Retro gamers and arcade enthusiasts
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.99
$9.99−50%
release date
1981-10-15
1979-09-15
Specifications
developer
Mattel Electronics
Namco
publisher
Sears, THQ Wireless, Microsoft Game Studios, Mattel Electronics, Digiplay
Midway, Namco
age rating
ESRB E
ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player
Single player, Multiplayer
critic score
80/100
90/100+13%
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Simple yet addictive gameplay
  • High replay value with endless scoring
  • Authentic retro feel
  • Wide platform availability
  • Iconic retro visuals
  • Simple yet deep gameplay
  • High replay value
  • Supports both solo and competitive play
Cons
  • Limited to single‑player mode
  • Graphics are dated by modern standards
  • No modern difficulty settings
  • Limited modern features
  • No built‑in tutorial for new players
  • Original difficulty can be steep for casual gamers
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Classic space shooter that sparked the golden age of arcades

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Galaxian is the cheaper, multiplayer-capable classic shooter, while Astrosmash costs more, offers only single‑player but adds varied enemy mechanics.

Key differences

  • •Multiplayer support: Galaxian includes both solo and head‑to‑head modes; Astrosmash is single‑player only.
  • •Price: Galaxian is $9.99 versus Astrosmash at $19.99.
  • •Gameplay variety: Astrosmash adds unlimited ammo, splitting meteors, bombs, guided missiles and hyperspace dodge.
  • •Critic scores: Galaxian 90/100, Astrosmash 80/100.
  • •Content depth: Galaxian features a high‑score table and classic arcade physics; Astrosmash focuses on endless scoring with escalating speed.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Both are retro shooters; Galaxian offers classic tight controls, Astrosmash adds ammo‑free chaos and varied enemy types.

Tie

Platform availability

No platform details are provided for either game.

Tie

Pricing & value

Galaxian costs $9.99, half the price of Astrosmash's $19.99.

Galaxian

Multiplayer / co‑op

Galaxian supports both single‑player and multiplayer; Astrosmash is single‑player only.

Galaxian

Content & replayability

Both claim high replay value via scores; Galaxian adds competitive multiplayer, Astrosmash adds endless scoring.

Tie

Difficulty & accessibility

Astrosmash lacks steep original difficulty and tutorial gaps, making it marginally more accessible.

Astrosmash

Graphics & performance

Both use retro graphics; neither is described as superior.

Tie

Choose Astrosmash if…

Solo players who prefer endless scoring and extra enemy variety, willing to pay more.

Choose Galaxian if…

Retro arcade fans who want multiplayer and a lower price.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Galaxian costs $9.99; Astrosmash costs $19.99.

Do either of these support multiplayer?

Only Galaxian offers multiplayer; Astrosmash is single‑player only.

Which has a higher critic rating?

Galaxian has a critic score of 90/100, compared to Astrosmash's 80/100.